I got tickets to my next Rick Springfield show – whoo-hoo! It’s always fun to have something to look forward to and I haven’t seen him in concert since way back in 2022. (It feels like a long time.)
This one will be a new type of show for me – an acoustic concert with Richard Marx. In previous years, the two each did their own set and then did a couple songs together (or so I’ve heard) but this time they stay on stage together the whole time and perform all their hits. RS’s solo acoustic “Stripped Down” show was so much fun (See “What an amazing show (and another brief meeting” from April 2015) and this one sounds like it’ll be fun, too. Below are some recent interviews they’ve done together.
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When I told my husband about it, he said he’d like to see it, too, which is great, of course, but it also meant that the ticket cost would be doubled so I had to refrain from ordering the closer, more expensive, seats. (There’s an eighth-grade trip coming up, plus summer camp to consider, so I tried to do the right thing for my current 13-year-old rather than my inner, so-long-ago 13-year-old me …) So I’m in Row J. I think that may have been the row from the 2015 “Stripped Down” show, too. Most likely outside the “Human Touch” zone, where he goes out into the audience during that song.
After I purchased the tickets, I noticed that in videos from the recent RS & RM shows, that I purchased tickets on the opposite side of the stage where RS usually sits. So Row J outside of the “Human Touch” zone on the RM side. So that’s kind of a bummer. (No offense to RM, but this is a RS fan blog so hopefully he’d understand.)
But don’t get me wrong, I’m still super excited for the show (#16) and am glad they’ll be here this summer!
Fortunately there are lots of generous fans out there that share their own front-row view like this recent one from Epcot! It opens with “I’ll Make You Happy.”
Hi! I hope your 2024 has gone well so far! Thank you to all who have shared videos from recent RS shows, including the Rock Legends Cruise with Sammy Hagar, which wraps up today.
I was excited to hear last week that in honor of its 20th anniversary, “shock/denial/anger/acceptance” (S/D/A/A) was re-released as an expanded edition on streaming platforms. In addition to the original songs from the album, it also includes song demos and the previously unreleased “Hey Josephine.”
When the album first came out 20 years ago, I wasn’t aware of it, as I lost track of his work shortly after “Karma.” I saw him in concert twice in 1999 and again in 2000 and then he dropped off my radar as I adjusted to life in a different city.
It wasn’t until 2014 that I came across an interview he was doing for “Magnificent Vibration” and I eventually learned about his autobiography and all the albums I’d missed during those years. I got “Venus in Overdrive” and “Songs for the End of the World,” as well as his autobiography from the library right away so I read the backstory for S/D/A/A before hearing the album. So when I finally listened to it, it just made me sad. But then when Rowdy Ron had his RS birthday shows, I realized that so many of the songs that caught my attention that I didn’t recognize were from S/D/A/A. Now it’s one of my favorite of his albums.
However, since I don’t listen to music on CDs very often anymore, I haven’t heard it in awhile so I was happy to hear it’s available to stream now and listened to it a lot this past week. I still can’t believe that 2004 is already 20 years ago though. (I just realized this means that when it first came out, RS was the same age I am now – and look how much he’s done since. There’s still hope that it’s possible to accomplish lots of cool things after age 53!)
There are a couple of other things that happened this past week so I thought I’d add them here in case you missed them.
RS was featured in a new YouTube show with Matt and Gregg Bissonette and producer Paul Dexter, where the three of them write a song in one day – and RS records the vocals in his home studio. It’s a lot of fun to watch!
(In case you weren’t aware, Matt Bissonette was the bassist in RS’s band for several years and collaborated on “Venus in Overdrive,” “Songs for the End of the World” and “Rocket Science” and both Bissonette brothers were part of The Red Locusts.)
Despite the headline, it covers other several other topics, too. She asks some great questions and it was cute to see her surprise when she learned he was from Australia. Plus we learn that he’s working on a script – he’s always surprising his fans!
Lots has happened in the world since I last posted and I’ve been really distracted with the news. However, I thought I should check in to recap the year since I’ve done that every other year and felt like I should keep that tradition and wrap everything up.
The main theme of this year was “Automatic” and the excitement of hearing 20 new songs – and being able to watch a new video.
There wasn’t only one CD released this year – there were two. A Rick Springfield album recorded in 1974 was finally released. It even included some Australian accent between the songs.
There was also the Working Class DJ show on SiriusXM and an “I Want My 80s Tour” over the summer. You can also watch “Rick Springfield: The Beat of the Live Drum,” “Orchestrating My Life,” “Stripped Down” and the 40th anniversary of “Working Class Dog” on tubitv.com in case you’ve missed any of those.
Then it was farewell to the fan trip – held in Punta Cana in October. It’s too bad that I never had the chance to attend one, but I’m grateful for all the shared videos from other fans so I could get a taste of it.
Here are some fan trip videos I found on YouTube of some songs played that typically aren’t included in the concert setlist.
And here’s a great interview from a few months ago, which is a nice way to end the year:
Honestly, I’m not sure whether I’ll be continuing this blog, as I’ve been working on a few other projects – I just started a podcast and am finishing up a book. Plus, what else can I say that I haven’t already said over the past nine-plus years of indulging my inner teen? However, I appreciate everyone who read it – thank you – and thanks to RS for all the inspiration.
The Final Rick Springfield Friends Get-Away in Punta Cana is this week!
This long-awaited trip was originally supposed to happen in November 2019 then it got postponed due to some news stories at the time and was rescheduled to May 2020 in Cancun, Mexico. (As you know, THAT one didn’t happen, along with pretty much everything else after March that year.) I think it was rescheduled at that time for sometime in 2021 then was eventually cancelled.
But you can’t just cancel and not rebook the final fan trip, so fortunately it was rescheduled for this week. (But unfortunately I couldn’t go, which is a bummer because I’m sure it will be amazing!)
So I will keep this short and you should go check out his FB page and the RS FB fan groups because there will probably be lots of fun videos there over the next few days (the trip is Oct. 5-9). RS will be there with his best bud Doug Davidson, as well as Mark Goodman, John Waite, actor Eric Martsolf and Mr. Kite & The Henderson’s (Rick’s Beatles cover band.)
I’ll just sign off for now, sitting here not in Punta Cana, writing a blog post in a Beach Bar Rum T-shirt. Cheers.
To everyone who is fortunate to be there – have an incredible time!
This week, Rick Springfield announced that he’s now on TikTok (aka RickTok).
For real this time.
This announcement came from his offical Facebook page and his account looks like this:
Note the verified checkmark next to his name and the correct spelling of his name.
I’m pointing this out because there’s also this imposter account:
Not only does this imposter have the name spelled wrong (unless it’s actually a guy named Rick Springfieldd who posted a pic and videos of the rock star with the same name with one D), but the verification checkmark is in the wrong place.
There are also several other imposter accounts there, too, so make sure you are following the correct one.
I’m also including the message below that was posted on the RS Facebook page a few days ago as a reminder.
Remember, Rick nor ANY of his staff or crew will ever solicit followers on any social media account, by direct message or in the comments section, or offer things like “private chat with Rick” or any other scams.
There are so many valuable things that a person can do with their time and it blows my mind that people waste their time creating fake accounts as an attempt to scam people but unfortunately that’s what some people choose to do with their life (which means, sadly, that there are many individuals who have been harmed by this, both financially and emotionally) so please be aware of this.
My oldest son recently started driving and he and his brothers have created a Spotify playlist of songs to listen to in the car.
The have a diverse taste in music, ranging from classic rock and ’90s grunge to Hip Hop and Rap. The other day I was in the car with them listening to their playlist and “Human Touch” started playing. Needless to say, I was thrilled! Then the other day they were playing the playlist at home on Alexa and “Love Somebody” came on. They also have “Jessie’s Girl” on the playlist. “They’re good songs, Mom!” one said when I expressed my excitement that RS made their playlist.
Since my sons have been exposed to RS music from an early age, it shouldn’t be surpising that some of his songs made the playlist, but I thought it was cool that they added them on their own. (Just for fun, here’s a post from when they were 4,6 and 8 in 2014, the year I started writing this blog: “Another generation of fans.”)
It’s certainly one cool benefit of RS having such a long career – it’s entirely possible that he could have three generations of fans in one family – three generations that could have possibly seen him perform in real-time energetic excellence since he’s toured off and on for so many decades.
Tonight wraps up his high-energy “I Want My 80s Tour,” which since Aug. 4 has included shows with The Hooters, Paul Young and Tommy Tutone (with his band playing with Paul Young and Tommy Tutone). For some tour talk, see this episode of “PopCity,” a YouTube show co-hosted by keyboardist Tim Gross’s wife: “Episode 5: Part 1: Rick Springfield’s keyboardist, Tim Gross talks about touring.”
Also on YouTube is a “What’s in My Bag?” segment of a series by Amoebe Music in Hollywood, where RS talks music, via album selections.
And back, to the tour. In case you missed it, here’s a video from a Los Angeles show last week, via YouTube (Thank you, DJ Gerry from Starlight Music.)
In case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the ‘Automatic’ music video – for the title song on Rick Springfield’s new album – that was released today.
The video made me like the song even more – (made me miss the MTV of the ’80s – when music videos helped make songs come to life.)
Let’s analyze the video, shall we?
It starts with a monkey with cymbals, an image that represents childhood – and RS certainly likes his toys (as evidenced in recent IG photos, where he shared pictures of his toy robot, Clive, hanging out on the tour bus.)
The monkey with cymbals has also been featured in sci-fi and horror films (see more history of this monkey here.)
Next the monkey is on multiple old TV screens, and screens seem to play a large part in this video,as band members are on their phones in multiple scenes.
When a black-and-white RS starts singing the song, it’s kind of jittery and has the feeling of an old movie when something wasn’t lined up right. Then bam – a blast of color when you reach the chorus. RS in a gold suit (suit and Converse remiminscent of his ’80s look and the priest collar since he’s now an ordained minister who can officiate at weddings).
Also all decked out in colored suits is his band members bassist Siggy in green, drummer Jorge in red and keyboardist Tim in purple. Guest guitarist in yellow is Mat from the duo Dauzat St. Marie, who opened up some Stripped Down shows for RS in the past. Apparently George, his regular guitarist, who lives in Nashville, wasn’t able to come to town for the filming of the video. (RS mentioned this in a posted video from a recent show, I have no inside knowledge about this, as usual.)
Next the band members are driving around in the car (in a slightly worn license plate that looks like WRK DOG – get that reference?)
When I was trying to figure out what that image was after the license plate, it looks like some kind of keyboard. Going frame-by-frame, there are lines of type, but though I tried to slow it down enough to read it, I could only catch a few lines, which look like text under social media posts. thecommonwanderer These are thanks! And to you too! team! Just having fun trying some new stuff. dalykas visame sviete! (According to Google translate, this is Lithuanian for ‘thing all over the world’) Also saw a mention of Iceland, which is kind of funny because my sister is headed there this week.
Not sure if it’s a full message – those were the only ones I could catch. But it reminded me of the hidden messages on the inner circle of the fan club album from the ’80s. (IYKYK)
At one point, RS looks like he’s descending into heaven as the band walks through a city street but they are all distracted by their phones so they don’t notice.
In the following scene, everyone else is still in color, but RS is initially back to black-and-white (but then is quickly color again).
During the line “Living in a world of hypersensitivity, everywhere I look, everybody wants validity,” the screen is covered with social media Like buttons.
The next line, “Walking on eggshells, state my proclivity, somebody somewhere’ll want to take a shot at me” seems to refer to today’s society where people get attacked or “cancelled” if others don’t agree with them or disapprove of their beliefs or actions. (The band is standing completely still during these lines, maybe to symbolize how many ‘freeze’ when somebody else is being attacked because they don’t want to get involved?)
The video ends with a black-and-white RS unplugging and the monkey falling.
Lots to dive into with these lyrics, I’m sure this only scratches the surface. (And I may be completely wrong with everything I’ve written here, but it was fun trying to analize it.)
Such a cool video and it made me appreciate the song more. Although I’m still trying to figure out some of the lines, overall it seems like a commentary on the state of the world today.
Let’s end this day with a nice review about a recent RS concert, shall we?
As you’re about to see below, Rick Springfield is timeless. The night changed the moment he hit the stage. Right before our eyes, we saw an actual TV star, movie star and rock star. His set opened with memorable clips of all of media success stories. While you see his uncanny modern day youth on TV and pictures, to see him in person is stunning. He looks YOUNGER THAN EVER. I was lucky enough to meet him again backstage. We met Rick in 2006. He looks YOUNGER TODAY. The moment he walked out, the audience knew we were in the presence of a true rock star. From that second, his charm, charisma and energy owned the night. It was a wonderful reminder that how great our life was, in the 1980’s. Rick made everyone feel GOOD, not old.
Rick Springfield’s new album ‘Automatic’ is out! While you wait for the CD to come in the mail,you can listen now on mutliple streaming services. Of course I couldn’t wait so I listened to it on Spotify as soon as I could. First thing I noticed was that the songs aren’t in the same order as the album list so I skipped around so I could hear them in the same order.
Exit Wound – First released on July 21. Super catchy. Love the background vocals by Windy Wagner.
She Walks with the Angels – Beautiful and touching song about Matty Spindel, his longtime friend and studio engineer, previously released on June 16. First performed live in March 2023.
Come Said the Girl – This one definitely has that high-energy 80s sound. Lots of horns. RS has said that this CD is about God, love, sex and death, and this definitely falls in the third category.
Automatic – The song that came to RS in a dream, according to recent interviews with him. Released in June and performed live on Aug. 1 (in this video he mentions that they just made a video for this song! Whoo-hoo!) I’ve already heard the four previously released songs multiple times so not really a first impression for any of those.
Broke House – a sad story about a woman from an abusive house who grows up to be in an abusive marriage. He really knows how to tell a powerful story in less than 2 1/2 minutes. Made me think of the serious topics addressed in his ’70s album “Beginnings” when his record label was expecting teen idol love songs.
This Town – Another song with incredible lyrics. The first few lines made me wonder if it was referring to the pandemic. Full of nostalgia but also feels like a love song to his wife.
When God Forgets My Name – An introspective song, reflecting on his life. Interesting vocal arrangement, looking forward to seeing the lyrics because I think I missed some of it.
Heroes – Hey! Empowering, made me want to dance even though it’s only 5:30 a.m. Hey, hey, hey, yeah!
Love Ain’t Cool (Sha Do Wup) – A catchy song released on July 21. One of my favorites. Has a “Venus on Overdrive” vibe.
Works for Me – He sure knows how to tell a story!
Fake It Til You Make It – Inspirational – ‘you got to dream’
The Cure for Loneliness – Has a feel like the “Wait for Night” album.
Invisible World – This song feels like a sweet poetic dream.
Make Your Move – A video for this song was released about a year ago that he he said he wrote about a couple in trouble but it fit his feelings about the war in Ukraine. Windy Wagner has such a beautiful voice, wow.
In Case of Fire Break Glass – So many interesting elements in this one. I’ve been trying to learn audio production so I can record my own songs so I especially enjoyed how he put all the elements together. It’s not easy to get everything to flow and sound so good so the fact that he did all the instruments for this whole album, is so, so impressive.
Did I Just Say That Out Loud – A fun rock star story
Someday I Will Fly – A reflective song with a cool vibe. Does it refer to death? It feels like it might.
Neutron Star – Some cool sounds. Seems to be a commentary on social media and celebrity. Had to look up what a neutron star was – they are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses. Clever way to address the subject.
Feed Your Soul – Encouraging words.
We Are Eternal – Beautiful. This is the one dedicated to his longtime friend and former keyboard player from the ’80s Brett Tuggle. Touching but also hopeful.
Those were my thoughts as I gave “Automatic” a first listen. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve already heard them a few times, but my favorites are “Love Aint’ Cool,” “She Walks with Angels” and “Exit Wound.” From the ones I hadn’t heard before, I especially liked “This Town,” “Come Said the Girl,” “Invisible World” and “We Are Eternal.”
What are your favorite songs from the album? I look forwarding to listening again with the lyrics in hand once I get my CD because I’m sure I missed a lot. But feeling so lucky that my favorite rock star is still releasing great new music (and touring).
Speaking of decades of great music – Rowdy Ron announced that he’ll be having another All Rick Springfield radio show in honor of RS’s birthday. If you haven’t heard one before and want to hear hours of Rick Springfield music (with no repeated songs – concert and acoustic versions, remixes, rare songs, etc) definitely put it on your calendar! Sunday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern. His shows are amazing! Learn more here.
The headline is reminiscent of those teen magazine days (and hey, I learned some new vocabulary – thirst trap), but it’s a good article where he talks about his health and fitness regimen, his wife’s culinary skills and how he copes with depression.
USA Today also posted a new story on the album, “God, sex and death: Rick Springfield discusses the tenants of his music,” where he shares how the song “Automatic” came to him in a dream. It’s a great Q&A that goes into more detail about some of the songs on the new album, his health and his upcoming tour, which also starts Aug. 4.
(For some reason, the article is paired with a video about Rick Astley’s upcoming album and tour, but perhaps that will be corrected at some point.)
An interview with “Industry 45: From the Drum Throne” in which he talks about how he hopes that the songs on his new album will connect with fans and he also touches on his songwriting process, which I always enjoy hearing about.
He also shares some ’80s stories and talks about the 2023 ’80s tour, his Working Class DJ “80s on 8” show, MTV and his friendship with some other rockers. Lots of fun stuff and the interviewer (Shane Christopher Neal) certainly did his homework!
OK, off to work now. Happy almost release day!
Note from later in the day: One more: “Rick Springfield: Still Cute” in this podcast episode from “Literally! With Rob Lowe” (fellow Teen Beat hearthrob…)
And one more: “The Legendary Rick Springfield” (love the title) on the “And That’s What You Really Missed” podcast with Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, stars from the show “Glee.”
My Rick Springfield crush 